Shiro Utsuri Isopods — Nesodillo cf. arcangelii

Shiro Utsuri Isopods — Nesodillo cf. arcangelii

They’re active, attractive and relatively easy-to-keep tropical isopods with a striking black-and-white pattern inspired by the Japanese Shiro Utsuri koi. They thrive in a warm, humid environment with good ventilation, plenty of leaf litter, decaying hardwood and a reliable moist area. 🦎🖤

🌍 Origin: The Shiro Utsuri hobby line is associated with Taiwan/Asia, although the exact wild locality of the captive-trade animals is not completely documented. The name Nesodillo cf. arcangelii is currently used in the hobby; they were formerly sold as Cubaris sp. “Shiro Utsuri.”

Best suited to warm, humid bioactive enclosures, with a clear moisture gradient rather than a completely saturated enclosure. They appreciate moisture but also need good airflow.

A good setup is:

• 💧 Moisture: Keep approximately ⅓–½ of the enclosure consistently moist, with the remainder less damp. They should always have access to a moist refuge.
• 🌿 Humidity: Aim for approximately 70–80% humidity, with good ventilation to prevent stagnant air and mold.
• 🍂 Food: Leaf litter and decaying hardwood should always be available. Supplement with vegetables and protein such as dried shrimp, fish flakes or other suitable isopod foods.
• 🪵 Hides & substrate: Provide 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) of nutritious substrate, along with cork bark, rotting hardwood, sphagnum moss and plenty of leaf litter.
• 🦴 Calcium: Provide a constant calcium source such as cuttlebone, calcium carbonate or crushed eggshell to support healthy exoskeleton development and moulting.
• 🌡️ Temperature: Approximately 22–26°C (72–79°F) is an excellent target, with stable warmth being important for this tropical species.
• 📏 Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 cm (½–¾ inch).

Shiro Utsuri are active, visible and rewarding display isopods. They can establish steadily with consistent care, although they aren't as rapid to reproduce as Powder Orange or Powder Blue. Their bold black-and-white markings make them especially attractive for collectors and bioactive displays.

Warm & humid • Striking black-and-white pattern • Active • Great display species • Excellent clean-up crew

*12 Isopods